Adjustable gas block for a firearm

ABSTRACT

A gas block comprising a gas tube channel, a barrel channel, a gas port extending from the gas tube channel towards the barrel channel, a slot extending disposed between the gas port and the barrel channel, and an adjustment mechanism set within the slot and movably coupled to the gas block.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/889,230, filed Aug. 20, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present application relates generally to firearm and more specifically relates to adjustable firearm gas blocks.

BACKGROUND

Firearm gas blocks are associated with direct impingement firearms. Direct impingement firearms reuse gas that is traveling behind a discharged projectile. For example, once a projectile is fired from within the receiver, a trail of gas follows the projectile as it travels down the length of the barrel. After the hot gas follows the projectile down the length of the barrel, the gas generally escapes through a compensator, disbursed through a suppressor, or simply exits the muzzle. A gas block typically is disposed along the length of a direct impingement firearm barrel. Some of the aforementioned hot gas escapes through the gas block as the projectile passes the gas block. The gas block redirects the gas back towards the bolt carrier group within the receiver to push the carrier group back and secure another projectile to be fired. The amount of gas necessary to send to the receiver for a properly functioning direct-impingement firearm can depend on the type of ammunition, suppressor use, or even the length of the barrel. Therefore, direct impingement firearm gas blocks must send a sufficient amount of gas towards the receiver to continue use of the firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.

FIG. 1A is a rear perspective view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional perspective view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1D is a partial cross-sectional top view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1E is a front perspective view of a gas block secured to a firearm barrel according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure

FIG. 1F is a side elevation view of the gas block secured to the firearm barrel according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure

FIG. 1G is a magnified side elevation view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a front elevation view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2D is a side elevation view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2E is a top view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2F is a bottom view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional perspective view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2H is a second cross-sectional perspective view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2I is a partial cross-sectional top view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2J is a second partial cross-sectional top view of the gas block according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a fastener according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of a fastener according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure provides for a gas block that can adjust the volume of gas sent back to a bolt carrier group in a direct impingement firearm. The gas block redirects gas towards the firearm's receiver to cycle the bolt carrier group and put the firearm into battery. The embodiments of the present disclosure of the gas block include an adjustment wheel for adjusting the volume of gas that is sent to the firearm receiver. In some examples, the adjustment wheel has one or more pinholes disposed along an inner circumference of the wheel. The pinholes can each be of a different diameter and/or cross-sectional area that extends through the wheel. The adjustment wheel can be adjusted to align one or more of the pinholes at a time along a gas port extending between a barrel channel and a gas tube channel within the gas block. The gas tube channel receives a gas tube that directs the air towards the receiver, and in turn, the bolt carrier group. The pinholes disposed along the adjustment wheel beneficially are of different diameter and/or cross-sectional area, which provides for a different volume of gas to be able to pass through the respective pinholes to adjust and control the volume of gas traveling back to the bolt carrier group in the firearm.

FIGS. 1A-1D depict various views of a gas block 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1A, the gas block 100 includes a receiver end 101, a muzzle end 102, a top side 103, a bottom side 104, a first side 105, and a second side 106. In some examples, the gas block 100 includes a barrel channel 107 extending from the receiver end 101 to the muzzle end 102 and providing a passageway through the gas block 100. At least a portion of a barrel of a firearm can be inserted into the barrel channel 107 and the barrel can be coupled to gas block 100. The barrel channel 107 can be cylindrical and can be defined by an inner surface. In other examples, the barrel channel 107 may have another cross-sectional shape to complement the barrel of the firearm. The barrel channel 107 can include one or more set screw apertures 119 extending from the inner surface to an outer surface of the gas block 100. In certain examples, the set screw aperture 119 can be a threaded aperture. In other examples, the set screw aperture 119 is a through-hole. As shown in FIG. 1C, the set screw aperture 119 extends from the inner surface of the barrel channel 107 to the bottom side 104 of the gas block 100. The set screw aperture 119 can align with a barrel set screw aperture in the barrel of the firearm to couple the gas block 100 to the barrel. Once the one or more gas block set screw apertures 119 align with each respective barrel set screw aperture, one or more fasteners (e.g., a set screw or other threaded fastener) engages the apertures to secure the gas block 100 to the barrel of the firearm. One or more additional apertures may extend from the inner surface of the barrel channel 107 to the first side 105 or the second side 106. These apertures may be functional and/or beneficially save weight and material.

FIG. 1C is a cross sectional view of the gas block 100 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The gas block 100 can include a gas port 108 and a gas tube channel 109. The gas tube channel 109 is disposed on the receiver end 101 of the gas block 100. The gas tube channel 109 extends within the gas block 100 towards the muzzle end 102 and can have a longitudinal axis that is parallel or substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the barrel channel 107. When the gas block 100 is coupled to the firearm barrel, the gas tube channel 109 can receive at least a portion of a gas tube of the firearm that extends from the receiver of the firearm. The gas tube channel 109 can include an inner gas tube channel surface. The gas port 108 can be disposed along the inner gas tube channel 109 surface. The gas port 108 can extend between the barrel channel 107 and the gas tube channel 109 to place the gas tube channel 109 in fluid communication the selected one of the pinholes 110 on the adjustment wheel 111.

FIG. 1D is a top cross sectional view of the gas block 100 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The gas block 100 can also include an adjustment wheel 111, or volume adjuster mechanism, movably coupled to the gas block 100. In one example, the adjustment wheel 111 is configured to rotate with respect to the gas block 100. In other examples, the adjustment wheel 111 can be adjusted in another manner with respect to the gas block 100 and/or can have a shape other than a wheel. The adjustment wheel 111 can be positioned between the barrel channel 107 and a bottom end of the gas port 108. As shown, the adjustment wheel 111 can include one or more pinholes 110 disposed through the adjustment wheel 111. Each of the pinholes 110 can be disposed adjacent the outer perimeter of the adjustment wheel 111 and adjacent to other pinholes 110. The pinholes 110 can be aligned in a circular or arcuate pattern along the surface of the adjustment wheel 111 in certain example embodiments. In other example embodiments, the pinholes 110 may create another pattern, such as rectangular, spiral, or another shape. In some examples, the pinholes 110 can each have a different diameter or cross-sectional area. The adjustment wheel 111 can be rotated or otherwise adjusted with respect to the gas block 100 to align one of the pinholes 110 with the gas port 108 and the barrel channel 107 of the gas block 100 to fluidically couple the barrel channel 107 to the gas port 108, gas tube channel 109 and the gas tube. Because of the different diameter and/or cross-sectional areas of the pinholes 110, the volume of gas escaping from a barrel and being directed back to the bolt carrier group of the firearm can be adjusted (e.g., either increased or decreased) depending on the diameter or cross-sectional area of the pinhole 110 aligned with the gas port 108 and the barrel channel 107.

The adjustment wheel 111 can also have multiple grooves 112 disposed into the outer circumferential surface of the adjustment wheel 111. One of the grooves 112 can engage a locking fastener 124 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1C and described herein) secured in a locking channel 113 that extends from the receiver end 101 of the gas block 100 to a slot 114. The fastener can engage the grooves 112 in each adjusted position of the adjustment wheel 111. When a projectile is fired from the receiver of the firearm, the projectile will travel down the barrel and past an aperture that extends into the barrel. The gas following the projectile escapes through the aperture in the barrel, through a selected pinhole 110 in an adjustment wheel 111, into the gas port 108, into the gas tube channel 109 and into the gas tube secured within the gas tube channel 109.

The gas block 100 can also include a slot 114 or elongated aperture in the body of the gas block 100 to receive the adjustment wheel 111. The slot 114 can extend from the first side 105 to the second side 106 of the gas block 100. In one example, the slot 114 can be a rectangular or substantially rectangular channel through which the adjustment wheel 111 can be inserted and within which at least a portion of the adjustment wheel 111 resides. The slot 114 can be disposed between gas tube channel 109 and the barrel channel 107. The gas block 100 can include a fastener aperture 115 extending away from the slot 114. The fastener aperture 115 can extend from the barrel channel 107 to an interior surface 116 of the slot 114. In some examples, the fastener aperture 115 can receive a fastener 218 to couple the adjustment wheel 111 to the gas block 100 within the slot 114. The adjustment wheel 111 can rotate about the fastener to adjust the particular pinhole 110 that is aligned with the barrel channel 107 and the gas port 108 to adjust the volume of gas escaping from the barrel of the firearm via the gas block 100.

The gas block 100 can also include a gas tube pinhole 117 extending from the first side 105 to the second side 106, adjacent to the top side 103 of the gas block 100. The gas tube pinhole 117 can align with a gas tube aperture of a gas tube 120 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1E). The gas tube pinhole 117 aligns with a gas tube aperture when a gas tube is disposed within the gas tube channel 109 of the gas block 100. The gas tube can be secured within the gas block 100 by a detent extending in the gas tube pinhole 117 from the first side 105, through the gas tube, and then to the second side 106 of the gas block 100. The gas tube includes the gas aperture that aligns with the gas port 108 to transfer gas following a discharged projectile to the bolt carrier group within the receiver.

FIGS. 1C and 1D depict cross-sectional views of the gas block 100. In some examples, the gas block 100 includes an adjustment fastener 122, a plate 123 (e.g., also shown in FIG. 1A), and a locking fastener 124. The adjustment fastener 122 can move in and out of the adjustment channel 125. The adjustment fastener 122 and adjustment channel 125 can be threaded to move the adjustment fastener 122 in and out of the adjustment channel 125. The adjustment fastener 122 may move from within the adjustment channel 125 by another method, such as sliding or snapping into place. The adjustment faster 122 can be slid through the plate 123 to simultaneously move the plate to abut the gas block 100 or move the plate 123 away from the gas block 100. The plate 123 can extend between the adjustment faster 122 towards the barrel channel 107 to cover the locking channel 113. The locking fastener 124 can be disposed within the locking channel 113 to engage the adjustment wheel 111 and the adjustment wheel grooves 112. For example, as the adjustment fastener 122 secures further within the adjustment channel 125, the plate 123 will move the locking fastener 124 to abut one of the grooves 112 on the adjustment wheel 111. The adjustment wheel 111 will be secured into place to align one of the pinholes 110 with the gas port 108.

FIGS. 1E-1G depict the gas block 100 secured onto a firearm barrel 126. Referring to FIG. 1E, the gas block 100 can be secured along the firearm barrel 126 and receive the gas tube 120 extending from the receiver end 101. The gas tube 120 is secured within the gas tube channel 109 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1C). In some examples, as shown in FIG. 1G, the gas tube 120 extends between the gas block 100 and the receiver 121. As described herein, the gas tube 120 directs flow from the gas block 100 to the receiver 121 after a projectile passes through the barrel 126.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a gas block 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2A, the gas block 200 includes a receiver end 201, a muzzle end 202, a top side 203, a bottom side 204, a first side 205, and a second side 206. In some examples, the gas block 200 includes a barrel channel 207 extending from the receiver end 201 to the muzzle end 202 and providing a passageway through the gas block 200. At least a portion of a barrel of a firearm can be inserted into the barrel channel 207 and the barrel can be coupled to gas block 200. The barrel channel 207 can be cylindrical and can be defined by an inner surface. In other examples, the barrel channel 207 may have another cross-sectional shape to complement the barrel of the firearm. The barrel channel 207 can include one or more set screw apertures 219 extending from the inner surface to an outer surface of the gas block 200. In certain examples, the set screw aperture 219 can be a threaded aperture. In other examples, the set screw aperture 219 is a through-hole. As shown in FIG. 2A, the set screw aperture 219 extends from the inner surface of the barrel channel 207 to the bottom side 204 of the gas block 200. The set screw aperture 219 can align with a barrel set screw aperture in the barrel of the firearm to couple the gas block 200 to the barrel. Once the one or more gas block set screw apertures 219 align with each respective barrel set screw aperture, one or more fasteners (e.g., a set screw or other threaded fastener) engages the apertures to secure the gas block 200 to the barrel of the firearm. One or more additional apertures may extend from the inner surface of the barrel channel 207 to the first side 205 or the second side 206. These apertures may be functional and/or beneficially save weight and material.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the gas block 200 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, the gas block 200 can include a gas port 208 and a gas tube channel 209. As shown in FIG. 2B, the gas tube channel 209 is disposed on the receiver end 201 of the gas block 200. The gas tube channel 209 extends within the gas block 200 towards the muzzle end 202 and can have a longitudinal axis that is parallel or substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the barrel channel 207. When the gas block 200 is coupled to the firearm barrel, the gas tube channel 209 can receive at least a portion of a gas tube of the firearm that extends from the receiver of the firearm. The gas tube channel 209 can include an inner gas tube channel surface. The gas port 208 can be disposed along the inner gas tube channel 209 surface. The gas port 208 can extend between the barrel channel 207 and the gas tube channel 209 to place the gas tube channel 209 in fluid communication the selected one of the pinholes 220 on the adjustment wheel 211.

FIGS. 2C-2J are additional views of the gas block 200 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Now referring to FIGS. 2A-2J, the gas block 200 can also include an adjustment wheel 211, or volume adjuster mechanism, movably coupled to the gas block 200. In one example, the adjustment wheel 211 is configured to rotate with respect to the gas block 200. In other examples, the adjustment wheel 211 can be adjusted in another manner with respect to the gas block 200 and/or can have a shape other than a wheel. The adjustment wheel 211 can be positioned between the barrel channel 207 and a bottom end of the gas port 208. As shown in FIG. 2I, the adjustment wheel 211 can include one or more pinholes 220 disposed through the adjustment wheel 211. Each of the pinholes 220 can be disposed adjacent the outer perimeter of the adjustment wheel 211 and adjacent to other pinholes 220. The pinholes 220 can be aligned in a circular or arcuate pattern along the surface of the adjustment wheel 211 in certain example embodiments. In other example embodiments, the pinholes 220 may create another pattern, such as rectangular, spiral, or another shape. In some examples, the pinholes 220 can each have a different diameter or cross-sectional area. The adjustment wheel 211 can be rotated or otherwise adjusted with respect to the gas block 200 to align one of the pinholes 220 with the gas port 208 and the barrel channel 207 of the gas block 200 to fluidically couple the barrel channel 207 to the gas port 208, gas tube channel 209 and the gas tube. Because of the different diameter and/or cross-sectional areas of the pinholes 210, the volume of gas escaping from a barrel and being directed back to the bolt carrier group of the firearm can be adjusted (e.g., either increased or decreased) depending on the diameter or cross-sectional area of the pinhole 220 aligned with the gas port 208 and the barrel channel 207.

The adjustment wheel 211 can also have multiple grooves 212 disposed into the outer circumferential surface of the adjustment wheel 211. One of the grooves 212 can engage a fastener secured in a locking channel 213 that extends from the top side 203 of the gas block 200 to a slot 214. The fastener can engage the grooves 212 in each adjusted position of the adjustment wheel 211. The locking channel 213 can be threaded and the fastener can be threaded. The fastener can be inserted and threadedly coupled into the locking channel 213 and a portion of the fastener can engage or otherwise contact the surface of the particular groove 212 positioned adjacent to the locking channel 213 for the selected position of the adjustment wheel 211 to prevent movement of the adjustment wheel 211. The fastener can be rotated in the opposite direction to disengage the fastener from the surface of the particular groove 212 and allow rotation or other movement of the adjustment wheel 211. In other examples, the fastener may be flexible and disposed in the locking channel 213 to operably depress as the adjustment wheel 211 is rotated. The fastener may be constructed of any flexible material to engage the adjustment wheel grooves 212. In one example, the fastener is a screw (e.g., thumbscrew or set screw). In other example embodiments, the fastener (e.g. such as the one shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D) may be another mechanism to allow or lock the adjustment wheel 211 in place to prevent movement once the desired position of the adjustment wheel 211 is selected, such as a detent, pin, rod, or other mechanism. When a projectile is fired from the receiver of the firearm, the projectile will travel down the barrel and past an aperture that extends into the barrel. The gas following the projectile escapes through the aperture in the barrel, through a selected pinhole 220 in an adjustment wheel 211, into the gas port 208, into the gas tube channel 209 and into the gas tube secured within the gas tube channel 209.

The gas block 200 can also include a slot 214 or elongated aperture in the body of the gas block 200 to receive the adjustment wheel 211. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, the slot 214 can extend from the first side 205 to the second side 206 of the gas block 200. In one example, the slot 214 can be a rectangular or substantially rectangular channel through which the adjustment wheel 211 can be inserted and within which at least a portion of the adjustment wheel 211 resides. The slot 214 can be disposed between gas tube channel 209 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2G) and the barrel channel 207. The gas block 200 can include a fastener aperture 215 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2G) extending away from the slot 214. The fastener aperture 215 can extend from the barrel channel 207 to an interior surface 216 of the slot 214. In some examples, the fastener aperture 215 can receive a fastener 218 (e.g., a screw as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) to couple the adjustment wheel 211 to the gas block 200 within the slot 214. The adjustment wheel 211 can rotate about the fastener to adjust the particular pinhole 220 that is aligned with the barrel channel 207 and the gas port 208 to adjust the volume of gas escaping from the barrel of the firearm via the gas block 200.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2J, the gas block 200 can also include a gas tube pinhole 217 extending from the first side 205 to the second side 206, adjacent to the top side 203 of the gas block 200. The gas tube pinhole 217 can align with a gas tube aperture of a gas tube. The gas tube pinhole 217 aligns with a gas tube aperture when a gas tube is disposed within the gas tube channel 209 (e.g., a cross-section is shown in FIG. 2G) of the gas block 200. The gas tube can be secured within the gas block 200 by a detent extending in the gas tube pinhole 217 from the first side 205, through the gas tube, and then to the second side 206 of the gas block 200. The gas tube includes the gas aperture that aligns with the gas port 208 to transfer gas following a discharged projectile to the bolt carrier group within the receiver.

Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A gas block comprising: a receiver end, a muzzle end, a top side, a bottom side, a first side, and a second side; a gas tube channel extending from the receiver end towards the muzzle end; a barrel channel extending from the receiver end to the muzzle end; a gas port extending from the gas tube channel towards the barrel channel; a slot extending from the first side to the second side and disposed between the gas port and the barrel channel; and an adjustment mechanism set within the slot and movably coupled to the gas block, the adjustment mechanism comprising a plurality of pinholes, rotatably aligning with the gas port.
 2. The gas block of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is an adjustment wheel.
 3. The gas block of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pinholes has a different cross-sectional area.
 4. The gas block of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pinholes has a circular cross-section and wherein the diameter of the circular cross-section for each of the plurality of pinholes is different.
 5. The gas block of claim 2, wherein the adjustment wheel comprises a plurality of grooves, wherein at least one of the plurality of grooves is configured to engage a locking fastener configured to secure the adjustment wheel.
 6. The gas block of claim 5, further comprising an adjustment fastener and a plate, wherein the adjustment fastener is configured to move in and out of an adjustment channel.
 7. A gas block comprising: a gas tube channel; a barrel channel; a gas port extending from the gas tube channel towards the barrel channel; a slot extending disposed between the gas port and the barrel channel; and an adjustment mechanism set within the slot and movably coupled to the gas block.
 8. The gas block of claim 7, wherein the adjustment mechanism is an adjustment wheel.
 9. The gas block of claim 8, wherein the adjustment wheel comprises a plurality of pinholes
 10. The gas block of claim 9, wherein the plurality of pinholes rotatably align with the gas port.
 11. The gas block of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of pinholes has a different cross-sectional area.
 12. The gas block of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of pinholes has a circular cross-section, and wherein the diameter of the circular cross-section for each of the plurality of pinholes is different.
 13. The gas block of claim 8, wherein the adjustment wheel comprises a plurality of grooves, wherein at least one of the plurality of grooves is configured to engage a locking fastener configured to secure the adjustment wheel.
 14. The gas block of claim 13, further comprising an adjustment fastener and a plate, wherein the adjustment fastener is configured to move in and out of an adjustment channel.
 15. A method for adjusting a flow of gas about a gas block, the method comprising: providing a gas tube channel; providing a barrel channel; providing a gas port extending from the gas tube channel towards the barrel channel; providing a slot extending disposed between the gas port and the barrel channel; and providing an adjustment mechanism set within the slot and movably coupled to the gas block, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configurable to adjust the flow of gas about the gas block.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the adjustment mechanism is an adjustment wheel.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the adjustment wheel comprises a plurality of pinholes
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of pinholes rotatably align with the gas port.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of pinholes has a different cross-sectional area.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of pinholes has a circular cross-section, and wherein the diameter of the circular cross-section for each of the plurality of pinholes is different. 